Once upon a time, a young man named John stood eye-to-eye with his new roommate, Thor. But, Thor was no ordinary man or even a man at all. He was a Great Dane and weighed a whopping 150 pounds! John’s biggest concern? Is Thor going to be a friendly dog? And if you’ve had your eyes on a Great Dane, you’re probably asking the same question.
Casting their mighty shadow across the room, Great Danes have an intimidating presence. Their towering size and commanding aura could easily make them mistaken for ‘friendly neighborhood giants’. But don’t let their titanic stature scare you off. The real truth about Great Danes may surprise you. They are actually among the friendliest and most gentle dogs you could ever meet.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies them as “Dependable,” “Patient,” and “Friendly.” Now, wouldn’t you agree those are some top traits for a pooch?
In fact, Great Danes are so warm-hearted and easy going that they’re usually referred to as “Gentle Giants.” They fit this title perfectly due to their lovable, affectionate nature. They are amazing family dogs and simply adore being surrounded by their beloved humans. They even get along famously with other pets!
Great Danes hold a compelling historical track record of having a friendly streak. Originating from Germany, they were developed from a mixture of breeds, including the old English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound. Originally bred to hunt wild boar, their adeptness as hunters is a clear testament to their intelligence and focus. In the 1700s, they evolved into estate guard dogs, protecting properties with their stately presence. Fast forward to the modern era, Great Danes now excel as cherished family pets.
Despite their friendliness, Great Danes are not born well-mannered giants. Much like other breeds, they need to be trained and socialized from a young age to grow into well-adjusted adult dogs. Training focuses on teaching them appropriate behaviors and manners, while socialization encourages positive interactions with different people, animals, and environments.
Socialization is particularly vital with Great Danes due to their size and strength. A well-socialized Great Dane is confident, friendly, and behaves appropriately in a variety of situations. By contrast, a Great Dane who is not adequately socialized may become scared or anxious, which could result in undesirable behavior. Their massive size makes managing such behavior more challenging.
So, if you have your heart set on bringing a Great Dane into your home, be sure to have a training and socialization plan in place, preferably starting when they’re a puppy. This will ensure they become the Gentle Giant they have the potential to be.
When it comes to children, Great Danes are almost like big, furry nannies. They have an infinite amount of patience and typically interact well with kids. They do need to be taught to be gentle due to their size and strength, especially with little ones around, but the bond they create with their mini-humans is adorable and heartwarming.
On a cautionary note, despite their generally friendly nature, it is always important to never leave any dog breed alone unsupervised with young children. Not because they are inherently harmful or dangerous but for the safety of both the child and the dog. Dogs can sometimes unwittingly harm younger children due to their size or strength, Great Danes being no exception.
In a nutshell, not only is a Great Dane a friendly dog, but it’s also patient, loving, and protective. As with any dog, they require proper training and socialization to become well-behaved adults. If raised correctly, a Great Dane can be a wonderful addition to any household, providing companionship, love, and, of course, plenty of slobbering kisses.
So, if you’re ready for a dog that’s large enough to hug like a person, rich with heart as big as their size, and possessing an unmatchable loyalty, a Great Dane might just be the perfect canine companion for you. Just remember, the responsibility is large, but the rewards it brings is absolutely grand, much like their size. Presumably, Thor turned out to be a fantastic roommate for John, and a Great Dane could be equally fantastic for you!
Great Danes may be giant, but their friendliness is an even a bigger part of who they are. Overshadowing their massive size is their enormous heart. They are not only friendly; they are warm, devoted, and noble. Maybe that’s why they are called ‘great’ in the first place!
